Thu Sep 26 13:29:33 UTC 2024: ## Hurricane Helene Threatens Florida with Catastrophic Storm Surge and Winds
**Tallahassee, Florida** – Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm, is barreling towards northwestern Florida, threatening the region with damaging winds and a catastrophic storm surge that could reach up to 6 meters above ground level. Landfall is expected Thursday evening in the Big Bend area, known for its wilderness destinations.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports that Helene, currently located about 205 kilometers west of Tampa and 280 kilometers south of Tallahassee, is packing sustained winds of 205 kilometers per hour.
While the storm’s center is projected to hit the Big Bend, forecasters warn that the impact of storm surge, wind, and rainfall will extend far beyond the center, particularly to the east. Hurricane warnings are in effect for southern Georgia and most of northern Florida, with tropical storm warnings reaching into the Carolinas.
Catastrophic flash floods and urban flooding are predicted, with landslides also a possibility in higher elevations of rural areas.
In anticipation of the storm, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for nearly all of the state’s counties, including Miami-Dade. He has mobilized the National Guard and deployed thousands of personnel for potential search and rescue operations and power restoration.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the storm and his administration is prepared to provide further assistance to Florida and other states in Helene’s path.
Helene is the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which has been predicted to be above-average due to record warm ocean temperatures. The Atlantic’s ninth named storm, Tropical Storm Isaac, formed on Wednesday night and is expected to strengthen as it moves eastward, potentially becoming a hurricane by the end of the week.
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